7 NYC Restaurants with Gorgeous Outdoor Dining

With warm and sunny weather finally here, it’s time to start swapping our hot coffees for iced, bulky down parkas for sleek trenches, and sensible winter boots for brogues. Spring is also the season for outdoor dining, and in New York, there are endless alfresco brunch, lunch, and dinner options from which to choose. Here, we’ve narrowed down the pack to seven of our favorite restaurant gardens, terraces, and scenic rooftops.

Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room

For unparalleled skyline views to complement high-quality cocktails and small plates, head to the posh Bar SixtyFive, located on the 65th floor of 30 Rock. The highest outdoor terrace bar in the city, this midtown haunt offers 30-mile views to the north, west, and south. 30 Rockefeller Plaza; rockefellercenter.com

Bobo

Located in a historic Greenwich Village townhouse, French restaurant Bobo was opened in 2007 by Carlos Suarez, owner of the nearby spots Rosemary’s and Claudette. On the second floor of Bobo is the establishment’s atmospheric and romantic garden, perfect for dinner dates or private celebrations. 181 West 10th Street; bobonyc.com

Crown Victoria

Rustic Brooklyn hangout Crown Victoria is a prime spot for casual drinks, dinner, or weekend brunch in Williamsburg. Featuring two spacious patios—one in front of the restaurant and one in the back—this low-key locale is ideal for large groups. 60 South 2nd Street, Brooklyn; crownvicbar.com

Gallow Green

On the rooftop of the Chelsea warehouse known as the McKittrick Hotel—home of the immersive, Macbeth-inspired performance Sleep No More—is one of the city’s most enchanting outdoor dining destinations. Taking its aesthetic cues from the play’s 1930s setting, this lush garden, bar, and eatery features romantic string lights, a brass band, rustic wood tables, and a spectacular panoramic city view. 542 West 27th Street; mckittrickhotel.com

Rooftop Bar at Aretsky’s Patroon

Located on the third floor of the townhouse-turned-restaurant Aretsky’s Patroon is a sleek outdoor bar serving lunch, cocktails, and light bites. A charming oasis in midtown, Aretsky’s is a great spot for after-work drinks or corporate events. 160 East 46th Street; aretskyspatroon.com

Upstairs at the Kimberly

Truffle mac and cheese with a view? Sign us up! Open year-round, the rooftop bar of midtown’s Kimberly Hotel offers 360-degree views of the city, along with a menu of signature cocktails and small plates that include Kobe beef sliders, spiced duck cigars, and, of course, the aforementioned truffle mac. 145 East 50th Street; upstairsnyc.com

Hudson Clearwater

A tranquil hidden gem in the West Village—identifiable only by its signature green door—Hudson Clearwater serves New American fare that includes duck breast and roasted lamb. With only a handful of tables, warm decor, and ambient lighting, the intimate garden space is a first-rate date spot. 447 Hudson Street; hudsonclearwater.com

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